Mesmin Destin is a second-year William T. Grant Scholar. As one of the few scholars in his department from an under-represented minority group, he has had the opportunity to mentor a number of doctoral and undergraduate students from similar backgrounds. He has had fewer experiences mentoring junior colleagues that are closer to his own position, but he recently mentored two postdoctoral scholars and two new female junior faculty members in his department. Destin wants to use this award to cultivate a culture among his mentees that incorporates collaboration and interpersonal sharing so that individuals can bring their whole selves into their work. Second, he wants to enhance his own ability to leverage and share his own experiences and struggles with mentees. Third, he wants to connect mentees with networks and opportunities that are critical to their success. The award will support his mentee, Régine Debrosse, a postdoctoral fellow in the psychology department at Northwestern University. Debrosse’s research aims to investigate how youth having a non-dominant background in terms of racial/ethnic identity, immigrant background, or economic status can lead to perceived mismatches in their career aspirations.
Destin will use this award to cultivate a culture among his mentees that incorporates collaboration and interpersonal sharing so that individuals can bring their whole selves into their work.
